Recommended Reading 09/03/19

It's Recommended Reading time!!

This weeks post is a few days late thanks to Hurricane Dorian.  We have been prepping for the storm, and heading inland to some gracious friends home to spend a few days from the coast.  Our hearts go out to those in the Bahamas who have been hit the hardest so far.  Elbow Key, Abaco which took the initial hit is a beautiful serene little island where I have been surfing and I know those residents are hurting.  I hope the whole East Coast of the U.S. stays strong and be strong.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Unfortunately with the climate emergency storms like Dorian are going to be commonplace.

Bill Nye gives us 3 things we can do to combat climate change.

FOOD

We all know carbs give us energy, but too many carbs?, 4 easily-missed signs you are eating too many.

As much as 75% of cancer can be linked to our food choices, here are 5 food choices to help fight cancer.

Stock your pantry with these 10 ingredients every plant-based pantry needs.

If you haven't heard Burger King is now offering the Impossible Whopper, I must say they are very good but I feel very weird going into Burger King! At least now while on the road you have more plant-based options to choose from.  Just don't give in to the temptation and get the greasy fries and soda.  

Here's a easy and healthy recipe for Avocado & White Bean Salad Wrap.

For any newcomers to a plant-based lifestyle here's a plant-based primer guide.

 WELLNESS

How emotional stress can ruin your life.

44 Ways to practice gratitude.

Beat "monkey mind" with these breathing techniques.

  

 STUFF

Blue Zones Project Hawaii: Street Art Makes Pedestrians Safer.

Principality of Sealand 

Oceans Disconnected:

"No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, you can always turn back."

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Amsterdam Rice

Amsterdam Rice

While in Amsterdam this past May, we were blessed with awesome daily food choices from the Marriott's  "M" lounge.   This is our take on a dish we call "Amsterdam Rice".

  

You will need:

1- 16 oz Extra Firm Tofu

Soyaki or Teriyaki Sauce for marinating.

1- Vegetable bouillon cube.

3-combo of yellow squash and zucchini.

1-sweet onion.

2-3 colorful combo bell peppers.

olive oil.

salt and pepper.

Cut tofu into 3/4" cubes and marinate in teriyaki sauce, flipping several times for 30 minutes,

Bake at 350' for 45 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes.

Largely dice squash, zucchini, bell peppers and onions.

Once tofu is done (unless you have 2 ovens) toss veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake at 450' for 30 minutes, flipping a few times.

Prepare 1 cup of rinsed Jasmine rice according to direction,  using 1 cube of vegetable bouillon for flavoring.  When rice is done, stir in 1 tsp turmeric.  

In a large serving bowl mix all ingredients together.

This makes approximately 6 servings.

ENJOY

"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive-

to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love"

Marcus Aurelius

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Go green.

Judd

Recommended Reading 08/04/19

I have been on a social media  "cutback" over the past few weeks.  I haven't posted anything on the blog for 3 weeks, but I am back with my favorite type of post.  Let us get started with:

ENVIRONMENT

Being one that works outside, I have definitely noticed a change in the environment; 

IT IS GETTING HOTTER.  I have noticed small changes in nature.  One example: Podocarpus is ornamental shrub used in Florida as a hedge or a specimen bush.  They produce a small purple berry which ripens in July- August which birds quickly consume.  They are edible and can be made into a native jelly.  The concern, is last year and this year I have not found very many.  Another example is the Smilax vine, just this year I have noticed a large decline in new growth (which is delicious raw and better saute'd in vegan butter and garlic). In the natural areas that I work it grows in abundance.   Not sure why this is but it is puzzling.  Nothing like the looks I get when I break off  a fresh tender shoot and eat it.  No, it doesn't taste like chicken, more like fresh asparagus!  Non-native invasive species are on the move from the southern warm areas in Florida towards the north.  Ex:Melaleuca trees (predominantly found in southern Florida) have now moved into northern central Florida.  I have even found a lone small Melaleuca on the Fl-Ga. border!

Climate Change is happening right now and we have the knowledge to stop the madness.

Climate Change Basics: 

*It's warming.

*It's us.

*We're sure.

*It's bad.

*We CAN fix it.

Bees and other pollinators are crucial for our food production:
The Netherlands  have turned 316 bus stops into homes for bees.

The Florida Everglades is changing daily. The Snakes That Ate Florida: Python Invasion.

Since Shark Week wraps up today on Discovery Channel here are some crucial points on sharks:
100 Million Sharks are killed every year.

Watch "Saving Jaws"  on tubitv.com for free.

HEALTH
Niacin (B3)helps our bodies turn food into fuel. Studies have also shown it raises good HDL and lowers triglycerides as well or better then prescription drugs. Her are 30 foods high in niacin.

How can you can consume iron rich foods to get the right amount your body needs? What is iron? and why is it important. 

From the No Meat Athlete: The Only Plant Power Bowl You Will Ever Need.

9 High Protein Breakfasts without eggs.

Everyone needs a daily mindfulness practice.  Here's a some simple techniques.

Start each day with gratitude and see how your outlook will change.

 Have a great week.
Be kind.
Judd

The Power of Peas

EAT YOUR PEAS!!

Children cry at the sight of them, while mom's try to hide them in mashed potatoes.  I remember it well, I begged my mom not to make me eat them,  I could not swallow a spoon full of peas, my throat just wouldn't open.  But now, I love peas, especially with vegan butter, salt and pepper mixed with home-made mashed potatoes.  Peas just weren't getting any respect.

There is a "pea revolution" going on.  Pea protein is high in muscle building in BCAA, branch chain amino acids, but is considered an "incomplete" protein because it is low in methionine and tryptophan.  Luckily "incomplete" proteins can compliment each other to provide all the necessary amino acids.  Research has shown that if you are eating a variety of sources throughout the day, it all evens out.  Also pea protein is naturally free of dairy, nuts and gluten, making it perfect for those with allergy or dietary restrictions.  And it is easier on the digestive system than dairy-based proteins.  Plant-based proteins are more sustainable than animal-derived ones, making it another great reason to chose pea protein.  They use less water, fortify the soil and use less energy resources to produce.

These sweet little orbs are packed with vitamin K and soluble fiber which can lower cholesterol and help you lose weight by making you feel full and satisfied longer.

Beyond Meat's Beast Burger  has 20 grams of protein derived from pea isolates per burger.  If you haven't grilled one of these, you simply must.  You will be totally surprised and your carnivore friends might look at 'veggie' burgers in a new light.

Animal agriculture is not sustainable and we must switch to a plant-based food system.  Want to help reverse global warming?  Try adding this food group to your diet.

We all know how expensive protein powders cost, mostly because of the process to obtain the protein isolates.  But here is a way to save money by making your own powder:

From Scratch Powder

3/4 cup chia seeds

3/4 cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds

3/4 cup hemp seeds

3/4 cup flax seeds

Grind all seeds in a food processor until a fine powder is formed.

Store in a airtight glass container.

This makes 8-1/4 cup servings. Use it in baked goods, soups, sauces or smoothies.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 07/07/2019

It's reading time!  These are my favorite posts to do.  Knowledge is power.  Being able to share the articles and videos I come across is fulfilling and I hope you enjoy.  I hope they open your minds to new ideas and solutions to any issues you personally might be encountering.

ENVIRONMENT

We should all know by now that we are in a climate emergency.  The world is changing and we need to drastically change the way we are living our lives.

Climate crisis: Europe's cities dangerously unprepared for heat wave hell

June was the hottest ever recorded on Earth.

 Alaska Heat Wave  It was 90' in Anchorage, Alaska on July 4th.

The youth will show the way: Greta Thunberg on igniting an Environmental Movement.

Even the world's investors are demanding action: $34 Trillion

Fresh water discovered under the North Atlantic.

The hype around hemp: Hemp is Back

HEALTH

New study shows risks from highly processed foods.

Foggy, Anxious, Irritable? here's what toxins can do to your brain health.

You know it's hot outside: Your Body in Extreme Heat

While you are outside, try these 5 Natural Ingredients you can use as DEET-Free mosquito repellent.

Most of What You Know About Protein is Wrong

Want to live longer? Welcome to The Blue Zones Life

CRAZY

Your next uber?

Competitive Tag

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

BBQ Pineapple Pizza

This is our all time favorite pizza recipe from Chef Chloe Coscarelli's cookbook, Chloe's Kitchen. We own all of her cookbooks, but we seem to always go back to this recipe the most!  

If you're pizza freaks like we are (and who isn't?!), we also recommend Chloe's amazing Grilled Pesto Pizza with Sweet Potatoes, Kale, and Balsamic Reduction on page 98 of the same cookbook, as well as her Garlic and Artichoke Pizza in Chloe's Vegan Italian Cookbook.

Now on to the recipe:

1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained
2 cups barbecue sauce* (purchased or prepared. We use Chloe's recipe.)
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing

2 large onions, sliced (We prefer sweet white onions)
Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup diced pineapple

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (Optional. We do not use!)
1 to 1 1/2 pounds pizza dough. (We use two packages of pizza dough from the Publix deli. We also just discovered Trader Joe's pre-made pizza crusts, which comes 2 to a package).

*Make your barbecue sauce ahead of time to save on time.

1. Press the tofu between two towels or paper towels using a heavy frying pan (or something similar) to remove excess moisture, and cut into cubes and toss with 1 cup barbecue sauce. Bake for 45 minutes at 325 degrees, turning a couple of times throughout. Remove and turn up oven to 450 degrees.

2. Meanwhile, sauté onions in the olive oil until tender and caramelized, about 20 to 30 min. Season generously with salt and black pepper and set aside.

3. Coat the border of the crust with a mixture of olive oil and garlic powder and spoon the remaining 1 cup of barbecue sauce onto the pizza crusts and spread, leaving a border along the sides. You may not want to use all the sauce, just enough to coat the dough.

4. Layer the tofu, caramelized onions, pineapple and cilantro.

5. Bake for about 15 to 20 min, until the crust is slightly browned or golden.

*BARBECUE SAUCE (Makes about 3 cups)

2 cups ketchup (We prefer Publix Greenwise or Trader Joe's)

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup maple syrup (again, we use Trader Joe's) or packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and carefully bring to a boil. reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir frequently and take care to not allow it to stick to the bottom of your pan and burn.

It's Hot Out, Drink Up!

IT'S HOT OUT, DRINK UP!

Did you know that water makes up two-thirds of our bodies?   Water is the major component of every kind of tissue we have from blood to bone and everything in between.  We need to be hydrated at all times or else our bodies do not function properly.  Around three-fourths of our water is in inside the walls of our 70-plus trillion cells.  Water is involved in every system and every event in our bodies.  Nothing happens without it.  Inside our cells is where salts, electrolytes and water combine to create the electrical energy that fires up our mitochondria, the power plants of our cells.  Water controls our body's temperature,  responsible for removing waste matter produced in our cells past the cell membranes to be filtered and removed by our liver and kidneys, it keeps our joints cushioned in the form of Synovial fluid.  Water operates our immune system, transporting white blood cells from our bone marrow to our tissues to fight off disease. The lymphatic fluid carries toxic substances and carcinogens to the lymph nodes where they can be destroyed.  Our brains and nervous systems are nearly 85-90% water!  All "electrical" events that happen there need water to work.

We need to stay hydrated!

As much as we need water, we are constantly losing it.  Through normal bodily functions like sweating, urine, tears, saliva and even breathing we lose about three quarts of it per day.  And we don't store it, so we need to replenish it constantly. 

How much do we need?

A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce per 2 pounds of body weight.  The most important thing is to drink more than our thirst seems to require.  The more we drink, the more our bodies will use and the more we will crave it.  After your first pee of the day your urine should be clear or pale yellow.  It will be darker the first pee because your body is removing the waste from detoxing the night before.  If it is darker during the day, you are not hydrated enough!  Most important is you need to be drinking water, not sodas or even store bought flavored waters( which are usually high in sugars and artificial colors).  Drink filtered water or for something different try filtered water with a tea bag of green tea, No sugar, your taste buds will grow accustomed to and even crave it in a very short time.  Green tea is very high in antioxidants, which helped in cell hydration.  We like to use any type of tea that has Hibiscus flowers in its blend.  Hibiscus tea has been shown to contain an even higher concentration of antioxidants.  Celestial Seasonings  brand can be found most everywhere and there "Zinger" flavors have Hibiscus in them. One tea bag can be used over the course of the day. 

Because I work outside and its usually hot and humid, I try to consume 1 gallon of distilled water with 1/2 teaspoon of  Pink Himalayan Salt daily. I feel amazing and hydrated.  For more information on that, here is an excellent article by Darin Olien on the benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt.   And another one from Natural News.  

By drinking good clean water all day long, you will be amazed at how great you will feel!

Thirsty?

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd